The annual Mexico Area Family YMCA Support Campaign wraps up on Sunday. And while the Y's Board of Directors is confident of reaching their $40,000 target, another issue has become …
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The annual Mexico Area Family YMCA Support Campaign wraps up on Sunday. And while the Y's Board of Directors is confident of reaching their $40,000 target, another issue has become apparent.
"We're learning that the need is greater than the goal," explained the facility's CEO, Brooke Jameson.
The fund ensures that the YMCA and its programs are available to anyone, regardless of their ability to pay. The money allows the Y to provide financial assistance to individuals and families to help with membership fees.
It also aids both members and non members with the cost of childcare, participation in sports, classes and other programs that come with a fee.
In 2019, for example, more than $13,000 from the fund went to assist families with the cost of after school care and day camps. Seventeen percent of the Y's membership receive some financial assistance.
This year, more people are struggling with dues. Since January, $22,335 has gone toward subsidizing memberships alone -- more than half of the annual campaign fund in just a seven-month span.
Board members believe the increased need for support is pandemic-related. The concern is that $40,000 might be shy of what will be needed if the trend persists.
Derek Stuckenschmeider, who serves as vice chair of the Y's board and chair of the Support Campaign, said it was perhaps necessary to increase the goal.
A higher target may be feasible. At the beginning of August the campaign had already achieved a third of the original amount.
"We have tons of local support, not only from the community but from businesses, too," said Samantha Wilson, YMCA childcare director.
The Support Campaign is an intensive effort. Volunteers fan out, approaching a list of 1,500 names.
"There are a lot of people who give to help kids," observed Jeff Anderson, chair of the Y's Board of Directors. "And 100 percent of what's raised goes back to help the community."
The Mexico facility has 4,245 members, with another 1,059 served by the Eastern Missouri Family YMCA in Vandalia. They provide workout facilities, exercise classes, a gym and walking tracks, sports leagues, camps, a swim team and swimming lessons.
Two community programs are unique. All sixth graders in Mexico receive a free membership for a year. And all second grade students in Audrain County can take swimming lessons.
Stuckenschmeider took lessons at the Y as a child.
"I was a sinker," he admitted.
The campaign began with a July kickoff luncheon for volunteer fundraisers. It comes to an end on Sunday, although Stuckenschmeider said they will continue to accept donations.
"I'm sure we've missed some people who donated in the past or wish to donate," he added. "It's not intentional."
